Hello, how’s your day?
It’s good thanks. I’m currently in a transit van making my way to Manchester.
What’s the idea behind your current tour of small indie-rock-type venues?
Touring is the best way to hone your craft as a performer. I’ve not really toured either, aside from 6 weeks in the US when I was doing the classical singing. But what I am doing now is a very different sound from what I’ve done before, and touring these types of venues and playing the festivals is the only realistically way of promoting it. If I had done the usual thing of TV shows it just wouldn’t have worked. Also, I feel like I’m starting again and building from the bottom up.
Why should we go to your gig?
It’s really different to what I have done before. It’s hard to say. You will hear quality, great songs – but I would say that! All I can say is that you have to come and see the gig and judge for yourself. I think people will be really surprised by what I'm doing. The reaction from the audiences so far have been unbelievable, and I’m not just saying that. I didn’t know how people would react, but they have been great.
You released your first album when you were 12 years old, so you’ve been doing this a long time. Are you not completely pissed-off and cynical about the music industry?
Absolutely. I’m the most jaded person that you are ever likely to meet. The whole industry side of this is utter bollocks and it always has been. I just enjoy singing, it’s what I’ve always wanted to do and I just want to get my music out there. Before, I was just a commodity for someone else, but now I’m free from all of that bullshit.
Do you still have 'the voice of an angel'?
How did it feel to be hounded by the tabloid press from such a young age?
I feel like I’ve said all I wanted to say about that as part of the Leveson Inquiry.
You received damages as part of the News International hacking scandal. How did you feel when you found out that your phone had been hacked 33 times?
I was shocked and disgusted. As I said to the Leveson Inquiry, I think what those people did is totally illegal and I really hope something comes of it. If nothing happens then it will only get worse. It’s really scary. It’s not just because celebrities have been targeted, but normal people have suffered too.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I’ve got to say what I’m doing now. I’m looking forward to releasing my next EP. It’s going to be called One and will be the first in a series of 5 EPs that I’m releasing over the next 10 – 12 months. I don’t think doing an album is that necessary anymore. By doing EPs each one can have their own style and feel. I feel I have more control now over my music, before it felt like I was being kept on a tight leash.
Any regrets?
None, I don’t believe in having any.
Have you visited Nottingham before?
No, never. This will be my first time to Nottingham. One of my close friends who I have done everything with is from Nottingham, so I’ve heard a lot about it. When you are touring you don’t really get much chance to see the places you are visiting, so I don’t think I’ll get to see much of the city.
Plans for the rest of the summer?
I’ll be touring mainly. Then once it’s over heading back in to the studio with the band. I’ll also enjoy spending time with my children. They can’t really come on tour with me as the touring lifestyle isn’t really suitable for them. But when I’ve played festivals they have been able to come to some of them - because so many festivals are child friendly nowadays - and they really love it.
Thanks Charlotte. I love a woman with a Welsh accent...
Thank you, Paul. Bye my lovely.
Charlotte Church plays The Bodega on Friday 17 August 2012.
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